Celebrate Make Music Santa Monica with free citywide concerts on June 21

June 11, 2026 12:06 PM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 11, 2026) — Music will fill the air on Sunday, June 21, as Santa Monica joins more than 800 cities across 110 countries in a worldwide, free celebration of music held on the summer solstice.

Inspired by France’s Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day is an annual event that invites people to make and enjoy music together. Santa Monica has participated in Make Music Los Angeles since 2012, supporting neighborhood concerts and community music-making.

This year, the city proudly becomes its own official chapter of the event – Make Music Santa Monica – and will host five free events throughout the city, with a central hub in partnership with Metro at the downtown Metro station and adjacent Kiss & Ride Parking Lot.

“Santa Monica has an incredible arts and music community, and having our own chapter of Make Music Day is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent, passion, and creativity that thrive here, while also being part of this incredible global movement,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said. “Whether you’re a seasoned musician or picking up an instrument for the first time, I encourage everyone to join in, make some music, and be part of this special community celebration.”

The community is invited to check out one or all of the events and join in the music making!

City-produced events:

Music Meets the World Cup Station Activation
Presented by the city’s Recreation and Arts Department, or RAD, in partnership with Metro and Revel Republic
Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station and Kiss & Ride Parking Lot, | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station and Kiss & Ride Parking Lot will transform into the central hub of Make Music Santa Monica, where live performances, participatory jam sessions, and hands-on music and art workshops intersect with the global energy of the World Cup. This takeover will include first-ever live music performances on the Metro platform and inside a Big Blue Bus, in partnership with Music in Transit! Blending the universal languages of music and soccer, the event celebrates international culture, community play, and Santa Monica’s role as the western gateway of Route 66.

Play Day, Concert, and Frequencies in Bloom in Reed Park
Miles Memorial Playhouse and Reed Park | 4-7 p.m.

Enjoy recreation activities in the park sponsored by RAD alongside dublab Presents | Salaam: Frequencies in Bloom, celebrating the summer solstice with an open-air concert and a participatory jam session. The event centers women, trans, and non-binary musicians, combining a curated live showcase with an open jam and immersive visual projections.

Neighborhood Association events, funded in part by the city’s Art of Recovery initiative:

Ocean Park Association
Beach South Lot 1, | 1-5 p.m.

Enjoy a laid-back beachside concert showcasing musical acts across multiple genres. Designed for all ages, the event invites attendees to relax by the ocean, enjoy light refreshments, and experience live music by the sea.

Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors
Colorado Center Park | 4-8 p.m.

This neighborhood celebration features performances by local musicians and community artists. The evening includes a mix of genres and spotlights emerging talent alongside seasoned performers in a relaxed park setting.

North of Montana Association
Palisades Park | 5-8 p.m.

North of Montana Association presents a family-friendly solstice and Father’s Day celebration with live music, interactive activities, and a kids’ music corner. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of Americana and community-focused performances overlooking the coast.

In addition to attending events, local restaurants, businesses and members of the public are encouraged to actively participate in Make Music Santa Monica.

Musicians of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels are invited to perform anywhere throughout the day. Play from a porch or window, on a sidewalk, in a park, at the beach, or while strolling through your neighborhood; host a sing-along, serenade a friend, or make music together as a family.

Acoustic or amplified where permitted, planned or spontaneous, every performance contributes to a citywide soundscape of creativity and connection. Singers, rappers, instrumentalists, choirs, bands, ensembles, and musicians of every genre and skill level are welcome.

A full list of events, along with tools to register performances and connect musicians with venues, can be found at Make Music Santa Monica.